I head it was heading to Jamaica. What happened?

Hurricane Dean passed south of Jamaica, according to the Federation of Tour Operators, which represents Britain's biggest holiday companies. "The main holiday resorts experienced strong winds and rain," said an Fto spokesman. "Tour operator resort staff have worked closely with hoteliers and the Jamaican authorities in the interests of their 3,800 customers in Jamaica. There have been no reports of injuries of customers."

Tour operators are in touch with the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office regarding the government's advice to travellers and with the airport authorities, and will advise customers about any changes to future travel plans at the earliest opportunity.

Where is the hurricane heading now?

The Government has advised Britons to avoid travel to Belize in its latest warning. The Foreign and Commonwealth Offfice is telling those already in Belize to move away from the coast.

The Cayman Islands may also be hit. Tourists have been evacuated and a curfew imposed. The hurricane is expected to pass to the south of the island later today, but the Government said it still posed a “sigificant threat” to the islands. The governor of the Cayman Islands, Stuart Jack, said all but 1,500 tourists had been moved out by yesterday afternoon and 19 storm shelters had been set up for anyone without a safe place to go.

The Foreign Office tonight advised against all travel to the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico. "The local authorities have asked that no more tourists travel to the state of Quintana Roo (which includes Cancun and the Riviera Maya) until Dean has passed and some tour operators are assisting visitors who wish to leave."

The British Embassy has set up a 24-hour telephone line to take calls from or about British nationals with concerns arising from Hurricane Dean. The number to call is (00 52) 55 5242 8599.

At 11am UK time on 20 August the Met Office forecast that Hurricane Dean will reach the Yucatan Peninsula in the very early hours of Tuesday 21 August. The also forecast that Dean will cross the Gulf of Mexico and make landfall in central/north eastern Mexico on Wednesday 22 August.

I'm in Cancun - what if it swings this way again?

There were 9,000 Britons on package holidays in Cancun a few days ago. But by flying in empty aircraft to bring out customers whose holidays were finishing, this number has now been reduced to 5,500. Those on the island of Cozumel have been moved to the mainland as a precaution. "Tour operator resort staff are working closely with hoteliers and the authorities for customers' welfare and safety," says the Fto spokesman.

I'm booked to go to Cancun - what do I do?

It's highly likely that if you're heading for the Yucatan Peninsula, then you are on a package holiday. The Yucatan is heavily served by the big companies - Thomson, Kuoni, First Choice etc.

No further customers for imminent departures are being sent to Cancun and tour operators will assess the situation after the hurricane has passed. All tourist hotels in Cancun are required by the Mexican authorities to be hurricane-worthy.

Contact your tour operator: if the company can't send you to your destination, then it will offer an alternative date or destination. If neither is suitable or acceptable, or if there is a price difference involved that you don't want to pay, then you are entitled to your money back.

Er, I didn't book a package....

Then things will be a bit more difficult. You will have to contact your airline, which will take the same stance as a tour operator. You will also have to contact your hotel and it is likely to be more difficult to get your money back. If it's Hilton, Sheraton or one of the big chains with UK representation, all the easier. If a local shack on the beach that needs the money, then a bit tougher. You have the moral right, but you may need to go to court locally to have that recognised.

What do I do if I'm stuck in the hurricane?

Follow what your holiday company and authorities tell you to do. The Caribbean region is very prepared for hurricanes and has shelters and procedures in place.

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